After finally getting around to seeing The Wrestler I’ve been a little nostalgic for the days of my youth.  That was when wrestling was “real.”  And nothing was as good as the old WWF.  So what better a way to pay tribute to the old school wrestling days than to the man that changed it all, Hulk Hogan.

Of all the entertainers that have ever lived, Hogan is right up there at the top in terms of influence in a given genre.  The best way I can describe him is like the Madonna of the wrestling world.  Seriously.  The man just kept adapting and never lost popularity.

So here is my photo tribute to the evolution of Hulk Hogan

The Younger Years – 70′s

This is before Mr. Hogan even became Hulk anything.  Here he’s just a little squirt named Terry Bollea.   He’s a strong kid.  Lifts a ton and has ambitions to be a wrestler.  So he worked hard and in 1977 debuted as the “Super Destroyer” while donning a mask.  He first got the nickname “The Hulk” because of an appearance on a talk show.  He was called Terry “The Hulk” Boulder.

It was here that Hogan teamed up with Classy Freddie Blassie in the WWF.  This changed his career.   He was at first a bad guy and this is where he started his rivalry with Andre the Giant.  It was also during this time that Hogan became “Thunderlips.”

In the flesh, baby!  Most people didn’t know that Hogan played this part before Hulkamania started.  He also played it against Vince McMahon’s wishes.

Hulkamania  

January 1984.  Hogan defeats the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden and the rest is just about history.

The Epic body slam at Wrestlemania

There’s no real reason for this picture other than the fact that it’s hilarious.

WCW

Hogan began the WCW with an immediate bang by beating Rick Flair to win the title but ratings weren’t that great.  And Hogan had all these lame feuds.  Hulkamania was kind of coming to a close.  And after 2 short years in the WCW it kind of did.  Hogan only appeared occasionally until….

The New World Order

Bang, Hogan as the bad guy “Hollywood Hogan.”  An amazing run and incredible that Hogan could renew his life as a wrestler in such a successful way.

And then bang – good guy again.  Truly incredible how the man shifted and could still captivate an audience.

Back to the WWF

Let’s just forget the whole Mr. America Thing ever Happened Shall We?

Later Years – Reality TV, His Daughter, MTV, and Funny Hats

Hogan Family Reality – His son is a total loser.  His daughter tries way too hard to be hot.  His wife, well ex-wife.  Eh, the show was still kind of light hearted.  I never watched it.

This is just funny.

So is this.

And what’s with all of these appearances on MTV?

And his new woman is definitely hot.

Best of Luck Mr. Hogan.  I love ya.